Shrewsbury School Com: Funds appreciated but not a cure all

Although School Committee members are thankful the additional funding selectmen and Finance Committee members added to the school budget will prevent further cuts, committee members are disappointed that problems such as high class sizes, will persist next year.

Although School Committee members are thankful the additional funding selectmen and Finance Committee members added to the school budget will prevent further cuts, committee members are disappointed that problems such as high class sizes, will persist next year.

In his initial budget filing in January, Town Manager Dan Morgado recommended a fiscal 2014 school budget of $50.2 million, an increase of $355,000 from fiscal 2013. School officials said in the winter that a $54.2 million budget would help restore teaching positions that were cut last year and reduce class sizes that are in the high 20s and low 30s.

Morgado added $870,000 into the School Department’s budget in March using increased revenues and selectmen last month added an additional $652,000 to bring the School Department’s budget to $52 million, which is a level services budget. Board members decided against placing an override to fund the school budget on the June senatorial election ballot.

A level services budget will maintain the current staffing levels, averting further layoffs, and maintains current programming in the district.

Superintendent Joseph Sawyer said last week while he is happy the district will not have to make any further cuts to programs or staff, which would significantly increase class sizes, he had hoped to begin restoring positions that were cut in previous years.

"It’s not something we can sustain for the longer term," Sawyer said of the budget situation.

Committee members agreed, saying while they understand the town is under significant fiscal constraints, the problem of high class sizes that have placed increased responsibilities on already overworked teachers will continue next year.

"I’m absolutely hopeful we don’t do this process again," said School Committee member John Samia. "We can’t kick the can anymore."

School Committee member B. Dale Magee said school officials need to get the message out to the community that the current budget situation is not something district officials can or will get used to.

While School Committee member Sandra Fryc understands the town is currently in a budget crunch, she said the school budget that will go before Town Meeting will not restore teachers and will keep class sizes high, which has been an issue for parents, teachers and students all year.

"It doesn’t get us in a position where we’re adding back," she said.

School Committee member Jason Palitsch said while he understands the decision the Board of Selectmen made to not place an override on the ballot, he does not agree with the decision. An override could have helped the district restore teachers and reduce class sizes.

"The problem we have still stands," he said.

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